TMC NEWS

TMCNET eNEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Korg M01D 3DS, Nintendo, cert: 3

(Observer (UK) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) From the Cure to Snap via Take That, the role of the Korg M1 synthesiser has been all-encompassing. The renowned audio hardware made its debut in 1988 and quickly found favour with pioneering dance music producers. And now, curiously, it has been recreated as software and released for that stalwart of mainstream gaming, the 3DS, although the result, an elaborate homage to the M1, makes no concessions to accessibility. Korg M01D is neither a game nor a comprehensive contemporary music creation package, but a meticulous virtual reconstruction of a celebrated synth that does an impressive job, considering the limitations of the 3DS, even introducing sounds from the Korg 01/W. Still, it can be used to create complete tracks and from the Kaos Pad to the keyboard it delivers much that fans of Korg could want. But its primary role is probably as a plaything; an executive toy for a generation that grew up to the beats of Rhythm is a Dancer and dreaming of a big gig as a producer. Will Freeman
(c) 2014 Guardian Newspapers Limited.